20 Variations of the Nutcracker Books for Kids

These Nutcracker books for kids are perfect for the holiday season. This collection contains a variety of versions making them great for classroom discussions.

My daughter has performed in the Nutcracker ballet for the last ten years. As a matter of fact, we’re currently gearing up for this season’s run of performances. This is her third year to perform with our city’s professional company.

As we head into Nutcracker season, I like to grab our Nutcracker books to display and read throughout the Christmas season. We’ve been collecting Nutcracker books since we watched the Nutcracker for the first time when she was four. She performed in the Nutcracker ballet for the first time the following year, and she’s been performing ever since.

We own or have read many of these. I’ve got my eye on a few others. What is your favorite version of the Nutcracker story?

NUTCRACKER BOOKS FOR KIDS

Fill your book basket with a great collection of Nutcracker books for kids. Most of these books can be found at your local library or used bookstore. If you have a hard time finding them, you can order them on Amazon by clicking the images below.

The Nutcracker Ballet| It’s Christmas Eve in 19th century Europe. And on this magical evening, young Clara’s eccentric godfather has given her a beautiful wooden nutcracker. As midnight strikes, Clara’s wooden toy transforms into a handsome prince, and Christmas quickly becomes even more enchanting. The prince takes Clara on a romantic overnight adventure into a dream world of delicacies called the Land of Sweets.

The Nutcracker | I remember Little Golden Books from my own childhood. This lovely retelling of the famous ballet will be a perfect holiday gift for any child who loves the ballet, Christmas stories, and fairy tales!

The Nutcracker| This is the first version we bought for my daughter. Join Marie, Fritz, and the intriguing Nutcracker himself on a magical adventure only possible on a night like Christmas Eve. Behold the frightful Mouse King, the elegant Sugar Plum fairies, and the entire Land of Sweets.

The Nutcracker| This version, by the New York City Ballet is next on my list to add to our collection. The storyline of this gorgeous picture book mimics the choreography of the famous ballet and the illustrations are inspired by the backdrops and scenery from the actual production.

The Nutcracker| Join Clara on her Christmas Eve adventure as she steps into a world of toy soldiers and beautiful fairies.

The Nutcracker| Sharp-eyed readers will notice tiny details playing out thrillingly over the course of the story (keep an eye on the gifts under the Christmas tree!).

The Nutcracker| This beautifully adapted classic tale with striking illustrations is the perfect Christmas book to share with kids!
The Nutcracker| This lovely edition includes not only the story used for the ballet, but also other wondrous adventures—including the tale of Princess Pirlipat and an explanation of the origins of the Nutcracker himself.

The Nutcracker | Follow along as enchanted toys spring to life, dancers glide and twirl, and a little girl learns that kindness is the greatest gift of all.

Nutcracker & Mouseking| The tale of Nutcracker, written in 1816, has fascinated and inspired artists, composers, and audiences for almost two hundred years. It has retained its freshness because it appeals to the sense of wonder we all share.

The Nutcracker| It’s Christmas Eve and Marie has found a funny-looking nutcracker under the tree. Marie’s godfather says this nutcracker once saved a beautiful princess from a horrible spell cast by the wicked Mouse Queen. But Nutcracker is in danger-the Mouse King seeks revenge!

Cozy Classics: The Nutcracker|In E. T. A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker, marvel at Maria’s favorite gift, cheer as she defeats the Mouse King, and journey to the magical Land of Sweets. It’s a festive first words primer for your literary little one!

The Nutcracker| It is Christmas Eve and Clara and her brother Fritz are excited! Every year uncle Drosselmeier brings them special Christmas gifts. This year Clara gets a wooden soldier. It’s a nutcracker and Fritz thinks he looks a bit silly, but Clara falls in love with his big, kind eyes. And that night she discovers her new friend can do a lot more than crack nuts. He used to be a brave soldier who fell in love with a real princess…

The Nutcracker Ballet| A Step 3 early reader retelling of the classic story of the Christmas ballet. From the opening Christmas Eve party scene to the closing scene in which Marie and her Nutcracker prince bid farewell to the Land of the Sweets, young readers will be enchanted while enjoying a successful reading experience.

Mary Engelbreit’s Nutcracker| On Christmas Eve, Marie receives a wooden nutcracker from her beloved uncle. Then something magical happens . . . her toy nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince and whisks Marie off to the fantastical Toyland on a winter adventure she’ll never forget.

Nutcracker|The world of Nutcracker is a world of pleasures. Maurice Sendak’s art illuminates the delights of Hoffmann’s story in this rich and tantalizing treasure.

The Berenstain Bears and the Nutcracker| ’s Christmas morning, and Santa has left the Berenstain Bears a special gift—a nutcracker! At first the cubs are more interested in their new video game, electronic toy, and Bearbie movie. But when they put the presents away and put their imaginations to use, the fun really starts. Join the Bears as they act out their own version of The Nutcracker!

If your little readers are Nutcracker fans, as well, you will want to explore these fun Nutcracker activities. Check out these sticker books, coloring books, puzzles, and more.